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2008 Subaru Legacy Sedan Quality Review

August 19, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders
ConsumerGuide

most backseat passengers should find the Legacy plenty accommodating
Kelley Blue Book

poor rear-seat headroom
Motor Trend

The 2008 Subaru Legacy leans toward the compact end of the mid-size spectrum, though its materials are first rate.

The Washington Post reports "there is seating for five people" aboard the Legacy, and ConsumerGuide points out "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders"--an impression confirmed at Motor Trend, which weighs in with "poor rear-seat headroom." Edmunds says “the backseat is a lowlight, however -- while it's comfortable enough for two average-sized passengers, leg- and shoulder room are unusually tight compared with other midsize sedans.” On the other hand, Kelley Blue Book contends "most backseat passengers should find the Legacy plenty accommodating for trips across town and beyond."

The Washington Post reports that 2008 Subaru "luggage capacity is a smallish (for a midsize sedan) 11.4 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide acknowledges that 2008 Subaru Legacy "sedans have a wide trunk opening and low liftover. The hinges are shrouded to avoid cargo damage, but they take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat." Edmunds confirms this: “The Legacy's trunk is similarly undersized at 11.4 cubic feet, though a ski pass-through and fold-down rear seats help make the most of the car's hauling capacity.”

Cars.com notes that most Subaru 2008 updates "are related to new equipment...the steering wheel has 16 buttons -- a tricky layout where a wrong move could inadvertently remap the accelerator's response or downshift the transmission." ConsumerGuide says "assembly quality has been good on models tested," but "despite a revamped interior, materials are nothing special." However, Edmunds proclaims Subaru 2008 interior materials are "excellent, and style, fit and finish are competitive with more expensive European marques."

Finally, ConsumerGuide reports "the turbocharged engine is subdued and refined," though "some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of wind and tire noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is a bit smaller inside than many mid-sizers, but its cabin is well-fitted.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller ridersConsumerGuidemost backseat passengers should find the Legacy plenty accommodatingKelley Blue Bookpoor rear-seat headroomMotor Trend The 2008 Subaru Legacy leans toward the compact end of the mid-size spectrum, though its materials are first rate. The Washington Post reports "there is seating for five people" aboard the Legacy, and ConsumerGuide points out "plenty of legroom, but headroom is tight for taller riders"--an impression confirmed at Motor Trend, which weighs in with "poor rear-seat headroom." Edmunds says “the backseat is a lowlight, however -- while it's comfortable enough for two average-sized passengers, leg- and shoulder room are unusually tight compared with other midsize sedans.” On the other hand, Kelley Blue Book contends "most backseat passengers should find the Legacy plenty accommodating for trips across town and beyond." The Washington Post reports that 2008 Subaru "luggage capacity is a smallish (for a midsize sedan) 11.4 cubic feet." ConsumerGuide acknowledges that 2008 Subaru Legacy "sedans have a wide trunk opening and low liftover. The hinges are shrouded to avoid cargo damage, but they take up some space. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold almost flat." Edmunds confirms this: “The Legacy's trunk is similarly undersized at 11.4 cubic feet, though a ski pass-through and fold-down rear seats help make the most of the car's hauling capacity.” Cars.com notes that most Subaru 2008 updates "are related to new equipment...the steering wheel has 16 buttons -- a tricky layout where a wrong move could inadvertently remap the accelerator's response or downshift the transmission." ConsumerGuide says "assembly quality has been good on models tested," but "despite a revamped interior, materials are nothing special." However, Edmunds proclaims Subaru 2008 interior materials are "excellent, and style, fit and finish are competitive with more expensive European marques." Finally, ConsumerGuide reports "the turbocharged engine is subdued and refined," though "some testers complain of body drumming over broken pavement," and "a fair amount of wind and tire noise filters into the cabin at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2008 Subaru Legacy is a bit smaller inside than many mid-sizers, but its cabin is well-fitted.  2008 SUBARU LEGACY STYLING | [7 out of 10] Autoblog: "a bigger, more upright and rugged-looking grille" Edmunds: "more upscale with a slicker profile" Motor Trend: "wood trim around the lower dashboard is the only letdown" The 2008 Subaru Legacy has been updated with a more ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

With its standard all-wheel drive and more of a reputation for performance than for being a bread-and-butter family vehicle, the 2008 Subaru Legacy competes with some of the more exciting-to-drive mid-size sedans, along with the most affordable of the European sports sedans. The Altima and Passat are both sporty mid-size sedans that have very attractive, comfortable interiors, though the Altima doesn't offer all-wheel drive and the Passat only offers it with the more expensive V-6 model. The Audi A4 is a more formidable alternative, with its fuel-efficient 2.0T powertrain, quattro all-wheel drive, and very attractive, upscale interior. Finally, Volvo and Subaru buyers have long overlapped, and the Volvo S60 has several sensible and attractive all-wheel-drive models. Neither of them offers performance like the GT Spec.B, but the S60 has a better ride and more comfortable interior.

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See the Subaru Legacy Sedan in Other Years:

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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